Kangigliniq (Rankin Inlet) is located on the northwestern shore of the Hudson Bay, along the migratory route of the Qamanir’juaq caribou herd. At sea, Kangiglinirmiut have readily access to ringed seal and Arctic char year-long, as well as polar bear, beluga whale and bowhead whale seasonally. Terrestrial and marine wildlife represent an important part of the culture promoting traditional practices and language, food security, and economic development. With ongoing climate change and the rapid industrial development near the community (operating gold mine), the Hunters and Trappers Organization and the Kivalliq Wildlife Board (KWB) are extremely concerned by the cumulative impacts on caribou and the marine ecosystem.
Led by Clayton Tartak (KWB) with the support of ArctiConnexion and academic partners, this project train and support Kangiglinirmiut to address the important linkages between climate, wildlife and people. On the land, the project addresses the connection between climate, vegetation, and caribou. In the sea, the project addresses the connections between climate, sea-ice and water conditions, and the whole marine ecosystem from the microscopic ice algae to the polar bear. The project is based on local observations and knowledge first, and integrate scientific procedures.
This project is funded through the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program and the Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program.
